Mechanism for bedding a firearm barrel in a stock



Feb. 21, 1950 E. BROWN, JR 2,497,861

MECHANISM FOR BEDDING A FIREARM BARREL IN A STOCK Filed Sept. 19, 1947 FIG. 1.

A INVENTOR. EDWAROS snow/v JR.

Patented Feb. 21, 1950 OFFICE MECHANISM FOR BEDDING A FIREARM BARREL IN A STOCK Edwards Brown, Jr., Washington, D. C.

Application September 19, 1947,. Serial No. 775,104

4 Claims.

My invention relates to firearms generally and I more particularly to rifles or like firearms adapted to be fired from the shoulder. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel mechanism for quickly fitting or adjusting the barrel and action of a rifle in the stock whereby to obtain the best accuracy with a given gun and ammunition. This operation is generally known in the trade as bedding the barrel in the stock.

When a firearm is discharged, several factors combine to cause the entire rifle to jump and the barrel to vibrate before the projectile leaves the muzzle. Included in these factors is the movement of the firing mechanism, the detonation of the priming charge for the cartridge, the ignition of the burning powder, and the reaction forces generated as the projectile travels down the bore. Lack of uniformity of jump and/or vibration from shot to shot are factors which contribute to the inaccuracy of a firearm and, thus, result in a large rather than small shot groups from a series ofshots fired at any one sight setting and range.

The amount and direction of jump in a fire arm of given construction is largely dependent upon the manner in which the firearm is held by the marksman. However, the manner in which the barrel vibrates for a given ammunition loading is largely dependent upon the location of the points of contact between the metallic barrel and action and the stock, as well as the pressure exerted by the points of contact upon the barrel and action.

Expert stock fitters or bedders have found that the location of bedding points and the pressure exerted by them on the barrel and action 2 bedding points to determine settings best suited to a given rifle and/or to a given ammunition. Having determined the best settings, the user of the rifle", by means of this invention, can accurately and rapidly re-bed his gun to achieve the same bedding point setting on his rifle which is best suited to given ammunition regardless of any stock warpage or of changing temperature conditions.

With the foregoing in View an object of the invention is to provide an improved method and/or apparatus for bedding a barrel of a firearm in a stock.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel method and/or means operative to permit accurate and rapid tuning of the vibration of the metal parts so that the firearm can be quickly mated with a particular brand or lot of ammunition whereby to obtain the best possible accuracy. I I

A further object of the invention is to provide a quick and accurate method and/or means of returning to any tuning adjustment desired or previously found to give good accuracy with a given lot or brandof ammunition. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a rapid method and/or means of returningat least one barrel supporting adjustable bedding point to a known setting when fitting adjustments change because of stock warpage or because of temperature changes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a convenient method and/or means for the user of the firearm to experiment with the fittingof his rifle to obtain the best grouping accuracy with a given ammunition or lot of ammunition have considerable influence on the shot grouping accuracy of the firearm. Consequently, an expert bedder may frequently considerably improve the accuracy of a given firearm by varying the location of bedding points and the pressure exerted thereby. However, in the usual rifle no provision is made for adjusting the bedding points or the pressure exerted thereby. Consequently, the bedder must resort to thin shims and/or careful chiseling or scraping away of the bedding points of the wooden stock to locate the barrel properly in the barrel groove and/or to vary the pressure between the bedding points and the barrel. Obviously such work is not only painstaking, slow and tedious but also requires a high degree of technical skill and experience;

The method and apparatus of this invention permits the individual experimenter or header to make accurate and rapid adjustments of the and to record his adjustments so that he can accurately re-set or re-bed the firearm to achieve adjustments previously found suitable to give best accuracy under given conditions.

A further object is to provide a novel method and/or means for bedding a firearm barrel which enables a bedder to be cognizant of initial contact of a bedding support with a barrel.

A further object is to provide a novel method and/or means for bedding a firearm barrel which includes the step-of'moving adjustable bedding supports into supporting contact with a barrel and simultaneously thereby completing an electric circuit operative to signal such contact.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel means for bedding a firearm barrel in a stock which provides means for adjusting at least one point of contact between the barrel and/or the'action of the rifle and the stock, which means tion and arrangement of the several parts there:

of, and in the particular method of operation,

all of which will be readily understoodby those skilled in the art upon reference to the drawing in connection with the following specification wherein the invention is shown, described and claimed.

In the drawing: Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevational View of a rifle barrel muzzle and the forward end of the stock showing one form ofthe invention applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section taken the plane of the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section on the same scale as Figure 2 and taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2; .4

.l on an enlarged scale and taken substantially on Figure 4 is a transverse vertical section like Figure 2 but showing a modified form of the invention and also showing diagrammatically a signaling means utilized with all forms of the invention;

- Figure 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the modification of Figure 4 but omitting the signaling means;

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a further modification of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view on a slightly enlarged scale and showing an element of the modification of Figures 2 and 3 apart from the rest .of the structure; 4

Figure 8 is a fragmentary diagrammatic longitudinal section showing a conventional bedding x point for a firearm barrel; and

Figure 9 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on the plane of the line 9-9 of Figure 8. l l

Referring specificallyjto the drawing, wherein like reference characters have been used throughout to designate like parts, and referring more particularly to Figures 8 and 9, l0 designates a conventional rifle barrel having a usual wooden stock ll provided with a barrel receiving groove !2 on the upper surface thereof In one well known formof bedding a rifle, the barrel and/or action is supported in'the stock groove I 2. at one or more raised points [3 located on the floor of the groove 12 and extending upwardly therefrom to support the barrel. For theypur pose of illustration, the size of the bedding point l3 and the space between the walls of.the groove I2 in the barrel have been greatly exaggerated. In a structure as is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 when it is desired to adjust the bedding point l3, the bedder is forced to either interpose thin shims between the bedding point and the barrel I 0 or shave away the contact surface of the bedding point. Obviously there is no quick and accurate method. for accomplishing an improved bedding of such a barrel and stock.

Referring now specifically to Figures 1, 2, 3, and '7, l4 designates a rifle barrel and l5 a stock therefor. It is understood that therear. end of the barrel I4 is connected to the usualreceiver,

surface of said base is flush or slightly below the surface of the groove. The base I6 is formed with a pair of inwardly directed bores I! which are preferably interiorly threaded and which extend inwardly on converging lines radially of the barrel I4 with each bore extending inwardly at an angle of about 45 from the vertical. The bores I! receive threaded bedding supports I8 which may comprise screws having accurately squared tips. The sides of the heads of the screws 18 are preferably longitudinally serrated, as at 23, and the heads of the screws I 8 are preferably located in counterbores l9 formedthrough the stock [5. Each counterbore l9 has supported therein a clicker 20 which is secured therein by anysuitable means such as the laterally directed free end 2! which is clamped between base l6 and stock 50. The opposite end of the clicker 2B is provided with an inwardly offset portion 22 which is adapted to engage the serrations 23 of the head of the screw I 8. Thus, as the screw is turned to project the bedding point thereof towards and awayfrom the barrel [4 each partial rotation is signaled by an audible click from the clicker 20. By counting the clicks as the screw I8 is rotated, the bedder is enabled to determine exactly how far to turneach screw to achieve a desired former setting.

The floor of the stock groove 32 is formed with a vertically directed aperture 25 therethrough which opens into a counterbore 24 in the floor of the base member 16 at its upper end and into a counterbore 26 extending through the lower portion of the stock. vReferring specifically to Figure '7, a clamping member 21 comprising a ring which is .longitudinallysplit, as at 28, at the bottom thereof and. which is provided with a similarly split stem 30 provides a clamping member for the barrel. The lower sideportions of the ring 21 are provided with apertures 29 which are over-sized relative to bores l1. and which are disposed to provide counterbores for the bores I! through the base member. The stem 30 for the ring 21 is preferably. threaded for engagement with a threading. complementary threaded clamping member 3|.

In the operation of the foregoing, the clamp ing ring?! is slipped over the barrel and the barrel is thereafter placed in the stock groove so that the stem 30 of the clamping ring extends through the counterbores 24 and 26 and the bore 25. It is understood, as aforesaid, that at this time that portion of the barrel l4 which is in the region of the base member I6 is supported in slightly vertically spaced relation to the floor and sides of the base member. The bedding screws l8 are now separately rotated until each estab ilshes contact with the barrel Hi. This establishes what can be described as a zero setting on the bedding device; Tension or pressure as de: sired can now be applied to the barrel by turning up on the bedding screws. The clicker or other indicating means enables the bedder to turn up each screw equally. The threaded member is now applied to the stem 30 of the clamping ring and tightened thereon to clamp the barrel tightly onto the bed ing supports. l8. I 1 Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a modification of the ,teqameeeviee wherein a barrel M is to be bedded in a stock 46. This modification comprises an annular member 42, the lower-portion'of which is countersunk into the barrel groove ii (if the stock so that its inner surface is flush 'with or slightly below thesurface of the barrel groove. The annular member 42 is provided with radially directed bores i l and 45 spaced at substantially 90 intervals around the same and threaded for the reception of the bedding screws i8 in the lowermost pair of bores and clamping screws 46 in the uppermost pair of bores. The an uit member 42 may be provided with a flattened top portion 43 on the exterior surfa'ce thereof to avoid interference with the front sight duringactual shootin of the gun. The lowermost pair of bores 44 open into the counterbores l9 through the stock and. the bedding screws [8 have associated therewith indicating means such as the clicker 20. described previously. The lowermost outer surface of the annulus 42 is fixed to a base member 4'! which comprises an elongated strip countersunk in the floor of the barrel groove and secured thereto by any suitable fastening means 43. The operation of this form of the invention is substantially the same as that of the preferred form in that the barrel M is supported concentrically within the annulus 42 in slightly spaced relation thereto and the bedding screws 18' are individually moved into contact with the barrel. Thereafter the clamping screws 46 are tightened to clamp the barrel in its bedded position. v

Figure 6 discloses a still further modification of the invention which is adapted to be utilized in connection with the split ring 27 previously described in conjunction with the preferred form of the invention and illustrated in Figure 7. This modification comprises an elongated semi-cylin drical base 50 which is adapted to be countersunk in the barrel groove of the stock and which extends along a substantial distance of such barrel groove. The base 50 is provided with end bores 5| for attaching the same into the barrel groove as by fasteners such as the screws 48 and the side portions are provided with a row of longitudinally and preferably equally spaced radially extending bores 52 for the insertion of bedding screws IE, not shown, therethrough. The floor of the base member 50 is provided with a longitudinally extending oversized slot 53 for the passage of the stem 39 of the clamping rin 21 therethrough. As in the preferred form the bedding screw apertures 52 are disposed substantially 90 apart at angles of 45 from the vertical. This form of the invention permits the bedder to select the proper point or points 1ongitudinally of the barrel groove for the location of the bedding point or points. The plurality of bedding screw bores 52 and the elongated slot 53 permits the location of the bedding points and clamping points to be varied considerably whereby to obtain the greatest accuracy with the gun. Of course, the gun stock, not shown, for use with this form of the invention will be formed with the vertical slot coextensive with slot 53 and in registry therewith. Also, such stock would include a plurality of counterbores corresponding to the counterbores I 9 and registering with the holes 52.

Figure 4 illustrates diagrammatically a method and apparatus for informing the bedder of the exact time when one of the bedding screws makes contact with the barrel. This structure comprises any suitable source of electric current 60 6 provided with leads 62 and 63 from the opposite poles thereof. 'A suitable electric signal such as the lamp" BI is interposed in one of'the leads and the free end of one of the leads is operatively connected to the barrel [4, as at 65. The free end of the other lead is operatively connected in any suitable manner either to a tool 64 for actuating the bedding screws E8 or to one of the bases I 6, 42, or 50. The operation of the signal is as follows: With the barrel supported coaxially of the base I6, 42 or 541 and the circuit connected as shown in Figure 4, one of the bedding screws is projected until contact is made withthe barrel. Inasmuch as the bases, barrel and the tool portion are all formed of current conducting material. contact of the bedding screw with the barrel completes a circuit to the signal 6! and actuates the same. Such circuit is, of course, broken as soon as the tool 64 is taken out of contact with its bedding screw. The first bedding screw is however preferably backed off one or two clicks out of contact with the barrel to avoid the completion of a circuit as soon as the tool is brought into contact with the second bedding screw. The second bedding screw is then brought up until contact with the barrel again completes the circuit. The first bedding screw may then be reprojected the proper number of clicks to reestablish the same in proper bedding contact with the barrel i4. Obviously, the backmg off of the first bedding screw may be avoided if desired simply'by insulating such screw from the bases 50, 42 or iii.

It follows from the foregoing that irrespectiv of the temperature conditions prevailing or any warping of the stock that it is possible to establish proper contact with thebedding supports !8 as the sensitivity of the signaling circuit is much greater than the sense of touch of the bedder. By the use of an indicating means such as the clicker 20 the bedder may advance or-retract the bedding screws I8 a predetermined or experimental number of clicks after initial contact has been established and by recording such number of clicks may readily reset the bedding point or points to the original point of contact. All of the foregoing may be accomplished with out special tools or skill and without the necessity for permanently altering the surface of the barrel groove by scraping or shaving the same and, of course, eliminates the need for shims entirely.

It is contemplated that the form of the invention disclosed by Figures 1 to 3 inclusive is better adapted for sporting rifles than for target rifles and that the form of the invention of Figures 4 and 5 is preferable for target rifles. In this connection it is understood that the annulus 42 is of sufficient size to be slipped over the front end of the barrel when the front sight has been removed. The form of the invention of Figure 6 may be used in lieu of the base 56 of the preferred form either by individual marksmen or by the manufacturer to determine the proper point for a base I 6 before the gun is sold to the general public.

While I have shown and described what are now thought to be the preferred embodiments of my invention and methods of carrying out the same, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of other forms and expressions and methods of operation. Consequently, I do not limit myself to the precise structures and methods shown and described except as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for bedding a firearm barrel in a stock, said stock being formed with a pair of upwardly-directed laterally-spaced holes therethrough, a pair of supports for said barrel, stock carried means mounting said supports for movement through said holes, an annular member encircling said barrel, said stock and said stockcarried means being formed with aligned apertures therethrough intermediate said holes, a depending stem on said annular member extending through the aligned apertures and normally in spaced relation with respect to the latter, means engageable with said stock and stem for moving said member to clamp said barrel onto said supports, said annular member being formed with laterally-spaced holes for the passage of said supports therethrough.

2. A device for bedding a firearm barrel in a stock, said stock being formed with a pair of upwardly-directed laterally-spaced holes therethrough, a pair of supports for said barrel, stockcarried means mounting said supports for movement through said holes, an annular member encircling said barrel, said stock and said stockcarried means being formed with aligned apertures therethrough intermediate said holes, a depending stem on said annular member extending through the aligned apertures and normally in spaced relation with respect to the latter, and means engageable with said stock and stem for moving said annular member to clamp said barrel onto said supports.

3. A mechanism for bedding a firearm barrel in a gun stock, said mechanism including means for securing and supporting said barrel in spaced relation with said stock, said means comprising an (annular member surrounding said barrel and having means for securing said member to said stock, a support for said barrel positioned between said stock and said barrel having an adjustable element for movement into and out of contact with said barrel, and means for indicating said contact. a

4. A mechanism for bedding a firearm barrel in a gun stock, said mechanism including means forsecuring and supporting said barrel in spaced relation with said stock, said means comprising an; annular member surrounding said barrel and having means for securing said member to said stock, a support for said barrel positioned between said stock and said barrel having a plurality of elements adjustable for movement into and out of contact with said barrel, and means for indicating said contact.

EDWARDS BROWN, JR

REFERENCES CITED The following references are ofrecord in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,125,939 Berger Jan. 26, 1915 1,370,118 Johnson Mar. 1, 1921 2,155,498 Laudensack Apr. 25, 1939 2,205,982 Klipsch June 24, 1940 2,372,568 Grigg Mar. 27, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 291,783 Great Britain Mar. 15, 1928 571,751 Germany Mar. 9, 1933 

